Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways host Manchester City Seychelles Soccer School

Air Seychelles and equity alliance partner Etihad Airways this week concluded the first ever Manchester City Seychelles Soccer School, a grassroots program focused on the athletic development of young Seychellois.

Patrick
Vieira, legendary player and Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) Football
Development Executive, and a team of City coaches headed up the series of
clinics for more than 500 Seychelles youngsters aged seven to 16.

The
clinics, which took place from May 4 to May 6 on Mahé and Praslin, were
organized in collaboration with the Seychelles Football Federation.

Etihad
Airways signed a 10-year partnership deal with MCFC in July 2011, which
included naming rights for the club’s stadium and expansive surrounding
grounds, known as Etihad Stadium and Etihad Campus, respectively, as well as an
extension of the existing shirt sponsorship.

Cramer
Ball, Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to have hosted
the first ever Manchester City Seychelles Soccer School along with our partner,
Etihad Airways. The clinics followed the
same successful concept developed by the Club and Etihad Airways for previous
events in the UAE and other key markets. Our first Seychelles school was a
resounding success.

“We
are grateful to Patrick Vieira and the City coaches for their valuable
contribution to this program. Thanks to the support of MCFC, the youngsters of
Seychelles enjoyed a memorable experience. We look forward to bringing the
Soccer Schools back to the Seychelles on a regular basis.”

Patrick
said: “It was fantastic to get involved with many of the aspiring young players
on the islands. We hope they have picked up some useful coaching tips and
inspiration to go on to be the very best they can be.”

In
a remarkable playing career spanning 18 years, Patrick Vieira won numerous
domestic championships in both England and Italy, as well as the World Cup with
France in 1998 and the European Championship two years later. He retired from
the game in July 2011 to take on a wide ranging role with MCFC which includes
work with the Academy, scouting and community departments.